Lately

I started to write an update on what life was like here in September, but I turned around and we're at the end of October!  We are in a busy season of life, but I'm not sure that it's going to become less busy anytime soon.

This fall has brought the return to our regular American Heritage Girl meetings.  I'm still treasurer, so handling the beginning of the year dues and the the fall fundraiser funds have filled up corners of our days.  We've been on a fall camp out with the troop, which was fun.  I'm helping with the Operation Christmas Child event again this year, but we are helping our charter church with a packing party this time, so it isn't our usual one night of busy.  I'm assisting one of the older girls plan the event as part of her level award project.

We also found a Trail Life troop for Nate to join.  This organization was formed with input from the founder of AHG, but the organizations are definitely different too.  Nate loves hanging out with the guys.  He's never had anything that was entirely his, so this is great for him.  I took him this past week, as Justin was out of town, and it was lots of motion, noise, and activity.  They had a nice lesson about character within their patrol time, that we were able to reinforce at home, met up with some fellows who were learning about how to behave around a camp stove, and joined in prayer with the rest of the troop.

Kate, somehow, has reached the age to join our church youth group.  I'm not sure when that happened!  She's been able to do a few activities with them so far--a trampoline center, a retreat, and soon a Halloween party.  She loves hanging out with the girls, especially a daughter of a friend of mine who passed away this summer.

The three older kids are working on a play again this fall, this time it is The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.  They love being out with their friends and working on the project to pull it all together.

Justin's been working on his tenure process.  He also took students to a chemistry conference to present their work.  His days are quite busy.

As for me, I've been up to my eyes in teaching three munchkins, driving them to and fro, and maintaining the house.  I even stripped the back deck and stained it this fall.  Who knows what project I'll get into next?  Maybe I'll tackle the railings on the front porch!

Hopefully it won't be so long between writings again, but no promises!

Kristy

9th Birthday

My second daughter is nine today.

She is bright and sweet.  Full of fire and fun.

She makes us smile and challenges us.

She's not so little any more.

She loves to read and dance.

She loves AHG.  And had the most service hours for her unit this summer!

She's a care giver.

 Happy Birthday!

 Love,
Mama